This is a never ending question at this point for me. Everything I have read leads in different directions. I was heading AWE's way. Now I am not sure. Talked to the folks at APR this weekend at Barbers during a DE. Bought their software for my A3 and really like it.
They claim their headers, cats, muffler, BMC a/f and software are good for 43HP. Billy Boat mfgs their headers and mufflers. The cats come from Germany - 200 CEL. They claim they are quieter than an AWE but louder then Miltek.
Remus is another option to consider as are the guys who make the RSS plenums they are going to be impoting a system from Germany last I heard. I have the plenum and am vbery happy with the improvement.
I am seriousily considering X-51 headers, someones cats and the stock muffler to see how it works. I think the main bang for the buck comes from the cats and the headers in that order and I don't really want a loud system.
Good luck.
I had the Europipe system installed on my MY07 911C2S earlier this summer, directly at the manufacturer's workshop in Antwerp, combining it with a holiday tour across central Europe (Athens-Ancona-Strassbourg-Antwerp-Saint Moritz-Lugano-Ancona-Athens). I had literally read tons of threads prior to deciding about what system best fits my P-car, I had also thorougly examined most of the technical features of the majority of the systems in the market, however none of these approaches could sufficiently discuss the transformed driving experience I got after the replacement of the stock system with the Europipe. Ahhh, not to forget, I had also given a good try to the soundful PSE on one of the importer's car, at no additional power gain however that made me reject the option.
I agree Europipe rather seems to be an expensive system in the first place, BUT there is no doubt it worths each and every penny of the investment, both in terms of product quality and service delivery at the manufacturer's end. Some other guy here talked about the best-of-breed welds they perform. I would also add the long-long development time it took them to deploy a system that among others accounts for the +16bhp power gain and the tiny-tiny details such as the universal joints they include as to make their system stand apart. :clapping:
Now, ~4k km with my new gadget on, I can clearly reassure you that the standard engine performance has been successfully revised, let alone the +16bhp you get and the built-in sound enhancement particularly in the low rpms. The 'black-power-hole' of the engine between 2,5 and 4 thousand rpm is out of question, thus eliminating the annoying downshifting at the time you instantly need significant amounts of power delivery.
The engine breaths much more efficiently due to the 100 cpi catalysts and the larger diameter pipes comared with the stock system. Not only does the engine plunge easier into the red zone even with the fifth or the sixth gear in the play, it also makes the other 997 drivers questioning 'how and why' their cars are left behind. Only X51 kit owners can go a bit faster at much greater price.
As many others here, I've been driving cars since I was 14 years old. What's more I used to be professional test driver for the greatest part of our national automotive magazines having experienced almost any exceptional road machine up to 2002. Nonetheless I have to admit that never before had I noticed a third-party system outperforming in such a great manner the original one.
Think I should stop right away, otherwise as this is my first post I'll be accused of being associated in some way with the manufacturers. Truth is I don't, so please feel free to visit www.rennteam.com for more testimonials and meet many other happy Europipe owners across both sides of the Atlantic.
In any case I can send loads of pictures showing the operation and answer any related questions.